Apple Pie Juice

4 Apples ( I used 2 Granny Smith & 2 Gala)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

* Love this juice in the morning! Great for energy. Happy juicing.

~ Courtney

** Recipe courtesy of: The Big Book of Juices By: Natalie Savona

Sweet & Savoury Juice

3 Apples ( I used granny smith)
2 Celery Sticks

* The sweet and saltiness of this juice is delicious!  Great afternoon pick me upper. Happy juicing!

~Courtney

** Juice recipe courtesy of: The Big Book of Juices By: Natalie Savona

Apple Basic Juice

Apple Basic Juice

3 Apples

2 Carrots

 

*This is my favorite morning juice. It wakes me up and gives me the energy to go, go ,go!*

 

 

 Recipe courtesy of The Big Book of Juices:

http://www.amazon.com/Big-Book-Juices-Natural-Vitality/dp/1844839737

The Bloody Carrot Juice

Bloody Carrot Juice

3 Carrots 

1 Beet

2 Celery Sticks

1/2 Lime (I used a lemon)

This recipe is courtesy of The Big Book of Juices: http://www.amazon.com/Big-Book-Juices-Natural-Vitality/dp/1844839737

Fresh Herbs & Sweet Potatoes

 

      Today at the grocery store I picked up some fresh cilantro, watercress and parsley. I also grabbed a couple organic sweet potatoes. I was planning on juicing the sweet potatoes, but decided to bake them for dinner tonight instead. They were yummy! :)  

    I have been doing a lot of healthy cooking and plan on sharing more of those recipes soon. Happy juicing and healthy living!

Fresh Pear Juice

Fresh Pear Juice

3 pears

1/2 long cucumber

1 small bunch fresh mint

* This juice is good for energy and used as a detox juice. It is yummy! 

**Recipe from: The Big Book of Juices 
by Natalie Savona
http://www.amazon.com/The-Big-Book-Juices-Vitality/dp/1844839737/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361164350&sr=8-1&keywords=the+big+book+of+juices 

Having Healthy Snack On Hand In The Kitchen!

  Going into this juicing lifestyle I knew that I needed to change my whole way of thinking about food. I have tried other "fad diets" in the past. Cutting carbs, or fat or counting calories and none of them ever worked. I felt deprived and hungry! I know myself and I knew that this wasn't just a "diet", but a lifestyle change. And my husband and two kids are along for the ride! :)
    To be honest I never really bought junk food. We never have pop or soda in the fridge. Cookies or ice cream every now and then as a treat. So my kids and husband were actually thrilled to do the change for a healthier life! Over all I bought pretty healthy foods at the grocery store...or so I thought! Reading and doing tons of research on the trusty world wide web I have become aware of all the fancy wording food manufacturers use on the ingredients listed on products. Just because it says all natural....doesn't mean it really is! Read the ingredients listed on packaging, anything with added sugar, flavor syrups of any kind (i.e corn syrup) is all bad. You want to buy whole GRAIN, NOT whole wheat! If you can make from scratch do so...anything bottled, boxed or bagged has added salt and other preservatives. These are just a few examples.
    I have found that if you make healthy snacks available you will have no room for being hungry or eating something that isn't a healthy choice. These are just a few things that I like to have on hand. Me and my family go through a lot of fruits and veggies now, so I buy my fresh fruits and veggies twice a week!

• Oranges
• Apples
• Grape Fruit
• Bananas
• Raw Almonds
• Celery & Carrots, Pre Cut stored in airtight container in fridge, with water for crispness.
• Organic Granola

Cucumber, Greens Hydrator & Cleaner Juice

This juice was great tasting and refreshing. I made this the night before a work day, so I had it for lunch the next day...yummy!

INGREDIANTS:

6 stalks celery

1 cucumber, peeled

1 handful fresh spinach

1 apple (I used fiji)

Thyroid Booster Juice

This juice is a bit hard to swallow, but it makes you feel good! I do not have a thyroid issue, just wanted to try the juice recipe out! :)

Thyroid Booster Juice

 This juice is for those people who have a thyroid problem and are having trouble losing weight. This juice will help to give your thyroid a bit of a boost. It also helps to regulate a hyper active thyroid.

INGREDIENTS:

2 Carrots

1/2 medium lemon, peeled

2-3 radishes with greens, washed well

Healthy Turkey Burgers

1 light drizzle EVOO

1 1/2 lbs. Ground Turkey

1/2 palmful *grill seasoning

1/2 Tbsp. minced garlic

1 chopped green onion

1 handful fresh spinach, chopped

 

    Lightly drizzle some extra virgin olive oil into the bottom of meduim mixing bowl. Add your ground turkey, garlic,seasoning, green onion and spinach. Mix well. Form into patties. Add to heated skillet or pan. Cook until done. Enjoy one a lightly toasted sesame seed kaiser bun or keep it even healthier with a sliced avocado on top with a leaf of romaine lettuce for a "bun"! ENJOY!

 I ended up not making my patties very big and there is only 4 of us, so I decided to make turkey balls with what was left over. Cooked up great and put into air tight container and placed in freezer for a future meal! :)







Recipe of my own, but idea came from Rachel Ray 365: No Repeats Cook book. http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rachael-ray-365-rachael-ray/1102552278

* Grill Seasoning, McCormick's Montreal Steak Seasoning
http://www.ceceliasmarketplace.com/gluten-free/grill-mates-montreal-steak-grinder/

Beet Juice Recipe

Beet Juice

1 Beet, with greens attached

2 carrots, greens removed

2 celery stocks

1 green apple, cored

1 healthy bunch of fresh parsley

1 inch piece fresh ginger root

This is my own twist to the beet juice. You can also peel a lemon and put into juice. ENJOY! :)

One week after my 10 day detox

    I am back! It has been a fantastic week! I wanted to post earlier this week, but it was a pretty busy one!

   I am very happy to report that the transition back into solid foods was great. I took it easy with starting off with fruits and veggies and plain almonds. I juiced for breakfast, lunch and snack; in between lunch and dinner. For dinner, towards the end of the week, I started eating ground turkey and salmon, whole grain rice. I still have not had any dairy of any kind, bread or red meat. As for the red meat though, I will no longer eat it. I have decided it just doesn't do me any good consuming it. I just feel icky afterwards. The dairy and bread has just been my choice not to have. Those are my weaknesses!

    I also started exercising this week. I do a mild stretch in the morning, before work. At work I burn and sweat, as I am a house cleaner. When I get home I shower, stretch and do a few floor excersizes, arm cables (hanging from our closet door). Due to our weeks being so busy with the businesses and the kids we have started a new tradition... Saturdays are family days! Yesterday we took the kids up to the elementary school and I ran/walked around the field twice. Played 3 games of HORSE with the hubby and son. Played on the jungle gym with the daughter. Went out to Teriyaki dinner ( I had plain salmon filet with plain rice). Came home and rented amezon movies! What a great day! This morning I woke up with my entire body being sore....but a good feeling sore! :)

    I have also found an awesome all natural healthy smoothie place called, Max Nutrition Smoothies! https://www.facebook.com/MaxxNutrition
 Their smoothies are wonderful, filling, refreshing and taste FABULOUS! So lucky to have them in my area, especially if you are out and need a juice! :)

   

    Looking forward to the future! :) Happy Juicing!

~Courtney

Juice Detox: Day 10/10

Well I did it!!! I made it to the 10th day. My body feels amazing, my mind is much more clearer and my energy level is through the roof!! I enjoyed every minute of this juicing detox process. If you are committed and determined to get your body healthy and rid it of all the toxins....this is the process to do!

I have talked to a lot of people about this process, just since I have been doing it, and if you take it seriously and do exactly what needs to be done you will succeed. This isn't something you can half ass and only do some of the detoxing. The number 1 step is to cut out ANY and ALL caffeine!! If you don't, then you are defeating the purpose of the whole detox process.

I plan on blogging more here with healthy food recipes and choices. Also I will be juicing everyday still, so I will have many new juicing recipes as well. I want to thank you, my family and friends for all of the support they gave me through this process. I even recruited a few people to do the detox and start juicing for a healthy life! Happy Juicing!!! :)

~Courtney

P.S.
I lost 11 lbs and 7.5 inches!!

Juice Detox : Day 9/10

    Today was a great saturday. Felt fabulous all day...wow my energy level is crazy high!! ;) I woke up this morning, made the kids and hubby breakfast and made myself a green lemonade. As I was sitting at the table with my family I was on my tablet searching for some good healthy home made vegetable broths to make . I found one and decided to modify it to what I had in my fridge.

I am sorry I didn't take any pictures of this recipe, but next time I make I will make sure to and update this post. ;) This is so simple and smelled so yummy. Look forward to heating up in sauce pan and drinking. Or you can save for later and use in cooking recipes.

Simple Vegetable Broth
Ingredients include any vegetables you may have in the fridge. This is what I put into my broth:
* 6 carrots
* 1 bunch celery
* 1 onion
* 1 tes. minced garlic
* 1 bunch broccoli
* 1 small balm full of peppercorns
* water
This recipe also called for vegetable oil, but I did'nt want to add anything like that.

Cooking Directions:

Use a large pot. Chop up onion, carrots, broccoli,  celery, add to warm pot. Add garlic and as much water to submerge all vegetables.  About 2 1/2 cups. Cover and bring to a boil. Ster and reduce heat to med. Cook for 1 hour. Stering occasionally.  Remove from stove top and strain the broth into a container with an air tight lid. You also might need to use a cheese cloth after the first staining. Throw away vegetables,  all of the nutrients are now in the broth so no need for them. You can store in fridge up to 3 days. You can also freeze the broth into ice cube trays for future cooking. They willnlast in freezer for up to 6 months. Enjoy!!

Juice Detox: Day 8/10

Another great day to report. I pre made my juices last night because I had a long day at work ahead of me. I like to drink the green lemonade in the morning because it perks me up! ;) I feel great and am look7ng forward to biting into some fresh fruits and veggies soon.
~Courtney

Juice Detox: Day 7/10

    WOW... day 7 and still going strong! I had my daughters 5th birthday party today and served fresh fruit with organic strawberry honey yogurt dip, fresh veggies, and organic pretzles. I would have loved to have some great finger food, but I was content with my juice, and so happy to serve all guests healthy options.:) The birthday cupcakes sure smelled good!! HAHA

    I have already stocked my fridge and pantry with healthy options for inter grading solid foods back into my diet. I am so looking forward to my almonds that I picked up from the market yesterday. I also have picked up some great salad recipes that I will share in a future post. Happy juicing!!

~Courtney

Appetite Be Gone Juice

                 
                    

                   Appetite Be Gone

                      1 Lemon, peeled
                        1 Grapefruit

This juice easy to make and is an appetite killer! I made this in the evening when I got hungry (before 8pm) and it sure killed my hungry issue. It is a little bitter. Refreshing though! :) Enjoy!



 Recipe From: A Beginners Guide To Juicing 
By: Sharon Daniels

Sun Kissed Juice

           

                  Sun Kissed Juice

1 Beet
2 Carrots
2 Oranges, peeled
3 Big handfuls of any leafy green (I used spinach and kale)
1 in piece of ginger root

Process all ingredients in juicer. Pour in glass and enjoy! :)







recipe from:
www.rebootwithjoe.com

Juice Detox: Day 6/10

Another great day to report! I am considering doing this detox for a little longer then 10 days. I weighed myself this morning and I have lost 7 lbs!!! I know I have lost inches too because my jeans are quite loose!! :)
I look forward to the next 4 days!
~Courtney

Waking Beauty Juice

    Okay, so I came across this juice recipe in my juicing book today and had to share. I made one for myself this evening and it was DELICIOUS!

                     Waking Beauty
*2 carrots, washed and greens discarded
*1 red apple, peeled and wedged
*1/4 cup coconut milk
*1/4 teas. fresh ginger root, grated

                     How to juice:
Juice carrots and apples. Pour juice into glass, add coconut milk and stir. Top off juice with grated ginger root.





Recipe from: A Beginners Guide to Juicing 
By: Sharon Daniels

Juice Detox: Day 5/10

    WOW, the last couple days have been good. But compared to today...I feel FABULOUS!! I wasn't hungry ever today, no nausia and it is 9:16pm and no headache!! YAY!! I was so energized from first thing this morning (8am). 
    I think the best thing to remember and keep in mind while dexoting is that you need to have fun with it. Don't make it a hastle or chore to juice. Remember why you are doing it and think about how good you feel!! Happy juicing.

Juice Detox: Day 4/10

    So today was my first day back to work while doing my juice detox. Overall it was a great day. I tend to get headaches towards the end of the day, in the evening. But other then that all is well.
  
   My only tough challenge so far was cooking turkey tacos and tater tots for the family for dinner. It smelled sooooo yummy! I just have to keep telling myself all this is my choice and in the end it will be so worth it! I am very happy that I decided to do this for myself. :)

    I did make a quick run to the grocery store today, picked up strawberries and bananas (bananas were put into the freezer). I have a few new recipes I want to try and share. :)

~Courtney
   

Get Up And Go Juice Recipe

This juice is great for the 3rd-4th day of your cleanse. You might be dragging your body out of bed by this day. Your body is in detox so your body is working extra hard and is tired by 3rd-4th day. This is a great breakfast juice! YUMMY!! I also added my MILA to it.

Get Up And Go Juice
* 3-4 carrots, greens removed and ends trimmed
* 1 cucumber
* 1/2 beet root- stem and leaves left attached
* 1/2 lemon, peeled
* 1-inch piece gingerroot

Using MILA in my juices

    I have come across a few recipes that have called for flaxseed. So I remembered that I had some MILA. MILA is the world's healthiest whole raw food. It is an ancient superfood of the aztecs. It contains the highest levels of nutritional components: Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, phytonutrients. MILA is also gluten-free, trans fat free, sugar free and high in fiber and protein.
    
    I add 1 tablespoon to at least one of my juices everyday. I do not put it in the juicer, I add it to my finished juice in the glass. You can also add it to cereal, yogurt, salad or in your favorite recipe. I will definitely be doing this after my detox is complete! :)

Purchased A Juicing Book

    When I purchased my juicer on amazon I also bought a beginners juicing book that contains 50 juicing recipes. It has great knowledge on juicing and recipes. :)

Green Lemonade Cleanser

Here is the recipe for the Green Lemonade Cleanser that I have for breakfast. SOOOO yummy!!! This is definitely a must try! Enjoy. :)
 



Green Lemonade Cleanser
* One head romaine lettuce
* 5-6 stalks of kale
* 2 apples, seeds and core removed
* 1 lemon, peeled 
* 1-2 tablespoons fresh gingerroot

Recipe from: A Beginners Guide To Juicing By: Sharon Daniels

Juice Detox: Day 3/10

    Today was a good day. I woke up hungry!! I made my breakfast, The Green Lemonade Cleanser (My next post is the recipe for this juice). Which was very filling and tasty! I was telling my husband today that I actually crave this drink!! :)

    I decided since I already had my juicer out to pre make my lunch and snack juice for tomorrow because I will be at work until mid afternoon. I read in my new recipe book, A Beginners Guide To Juicing, 50 recipes to detox, lose weight, feel young, look great and age gracefully By: Sharon Daniels, that as long as the juice is in an airtight bottle or container then you can have it in the refrigerator for 24 hours. :) SCORE!!

    Overall I do have to say I really did expect that I would be feeling worst by day 3. I can tell that my body is detoxing....but I feel great!

~Courtney

Juice detox: Day 2/10

Well this morning I woke up with a headache and of course it lingered around all day! :( I know that this cleansing process is working beacause I feel over all great! My mind seems to be clearer (not so foggy). My bowel movements are a bit strange, but thats a given. I haven't been hungry or craving anything! This surprises me the VERY most!! Looking forward to tomorrow! :)
~Courtney

Juice Detox: Day 1/10

Today was my first day of the juice detoxification. Overall it was a great day! :) I made a Mean Green Juice for breakfast and surprisingly it was very filling. Throughout the day I noticed a spike in my energy! I was worried, along with everyone else I have told that I was going to be doing this detox, that I would be hungry....but I never got hungry all day!!! I look forward to the next 9 days!! ;)

Breakfast: Mean Green Juice
Lunch: Simple Carrot Juice
Snack: Beets Detox Juice
Dinner: Mean Green Juice
Drank tons of water throughout the day, this is VERY important.

~Courtney

Simple Carrot Juice

 I just decided to make a little snack and wanted something sweet. This really did the trick. SOOOO good!!

                                                 Simple Carrot Juice Ingredients:
                                                                   4 carrots
                                                               1 green apple
                                                  small handful of fresh parsley

The Mean Green

My first juice that I made was the Mean Green juice. I will be having this drink for breakfast everyday of my detox.

Mean Green Juice Ingredients:
6 kale leaves
1 cucumber
4 celery stalks
2 green apples
1/2 lemon
1 small piece of ginger root

Make sure that you wash your fruits and vegetables well before juicing.

The juice cup got too full so I had to grab my pitcher.

And this is the Mean Green juice! Pretty color, huh?! Believe it or not it is good! I think I might cut out the cucumber next time, because I just can't stomach this one particular vegetable. It is really potent. I think I might try spinach instead.

Juicer, Veggies & Fruits!

 Okay, so I am a day behind already with this blogging thing!! I will get the hang of this, I do have to say that this is all a bit over whelming...lol. But that is just me being me! :) 

I received my Hamilton Beach Big Mouth Juicer yesterday. I did research on tons of juicers and this one is #3 on the Consumer Reports list. It is affordable, easy to use and most importantly easy to clean!

 I then made a trip out to Costco. There I picked up:

1 box of oranges
1 bag of green apples
1 bag of carrots
1 bag of red apples
3 bags of celery
1 bag of spinach
2 bags of lemons
2 packages of cucumbers

After Costco I stopped at Safeway, I picked up:

2 bunches of kale
3 bunches of parsley
3 beets
1 package of fresh ginger


I found that Costco is the best place to get the majority of your fruits and vegetables for juicing.  I normally do my general grocery shopping at Safeway. They have a great selection on organic products, fruits and vegetables. The items I picked up at Safeway were items Costco does not carry.

I also purchased these 3 awesome water bottles (I'm using them for my juice) from Costco for only $9.99!! They have the the ounces labeled on them. But what sold me was the larger straw that it has! :)

 

My new found passion...JUICING!

    Hello, my name is Courtney. I am a full time mom, wife and business owner. My life is crazy busy and my health has been put on the back burner. With kids needs and the husbands needs, I tend to forget about myself and just role with the bunches. So now I am doing something for myself. I have decided to get healthy from the inside out by juicing.

    For the past month or so I have done quit a bit of research on living a lifestyle with juicing vegetables and fruits. With all the health benefits of juicing I said, why not? 

    My plan is to start off with the 10 day juice detox. Then I will integrate healthy food options back into my diet. This is my first time blogging and I look forward to updating daily and posting my progress. Welcome to my journey to a healthy life!! :)

~Courtney